At Youth for Today and Tomorrow (YTT), we’re committed to empowering young people and transforming communities through innovative projects in agriculture, renewable energy, peace-building, and mental health. Here’s an update on our work in Tsholotsho, Bulawayo, and Matobo, and a glimpse into our exciting plans for 2025.

Tsholotsho: Growing Futures, One Garden and Goat at a Time

In Tsholotsho, our Harnessing Youth Potential (HYP) projects are making a tangible difference in the lives of young people and their communities.

Sandisele Youth Garden

Milestones:

• Identified and approved land in early 2023, followed by borehole drilling (water found at 42 meters!).
• Installed fencing, a solar-powered pump, piping, and a 10,000-liter water tank.
• Community members cleared the land and created garden beds, planting a variety of crops.

Successes:

• The garden has a steady water supply, enabling consistent crop production.
• Members have sold vegetables at local markets, using the income to pay school fees and support their families.

Challenges:

• The 10,000-liter tank is insufficient for the garden’s needs. Plans are underway to purchase an additional tank.

2025 Plans:

• Expand water infrastructure and introduce high-value crops like herbs and strawberries.
• Organize community market days to boost sales and attract donors.

Goat Rearing Project

• Milestones:
• Distributed 50 goats to community members in 2022.
• Provided training on goat care, breeding, and disease prevention.

Successes:

• The goat population has grown to over 300, with third-generation kids now thriving.

Challenges:

• Over 60% of the original goats were lost to predators, illness, and injuries.

2025 Plans:

• Introduce new Boer goats to strengthen the breed and improve genetic quality.
• Provide advanced training in goat rearing and explore goat milk and cheese production.

Matobo: Overcoming Challenges, Building Resilience

In Matobo, our Lahlingubo Youth Garden and Goat Rearing Project are empowering communities despite challenges.

Lahlingubo Youth Garden

Milestones:

• Borehole drilled in 2023 (water found at 120 meters after initial challenges).
• Installed fencing, solar panels, piping, and a water tank.
• Community members cleared the land and began planting.

Successes:

• Despite water scarcity, members have fetched water from a nearby well to keep the garden productive.
• Some members have sold vegetables at the Maphisa market, using the income to pay school fees.

Challenges:

• Low water table due to El Niño drought.
• Pests like red spider mites and rocky soil have affected crop yields.

2025 Plans:

• Explore rainwater harvesting and secondary borehole drilling.
• Provide training on pest management and introduce high-value crops.

Goat Rearing Project

Milestones:

• Distributed 50 goats to community members in 2022.

Successes:

• The remaining goats have bred successfully, with over 300 goats now in the community.

Challenges:

• High losses due to predators and illness.

2025 Plans:

• Strengthen the herd with new Boer goats and improve predator control measures.
• Establish goat-rearing cooperatives to pool resources and access larger markets.

Bulawayo: Creating Safer Schools and Peaceful Communities

In Bulawayo, our Safer Schools and Communities Project is transforming schools into spaces of learning, growth, and peace.

Milestones:

• Working with 14 schools (6 in Bulawayo, 4 in Matobo North, and 4 in Matobo South).
• Conducted workshops on conflict resolution, mental health, and drug abuse prevention.
• Established psych clinics to provide free counseling to learners.

Successes:

• Reduced incidents of bullying and violence in participating schools.
• Improved mental health outcomes for learners through counseling and workshops.

2025 Plans:

• Host a Peace Camp for in-school youths to promote leadership and peace-building skills.
• Expand the project to more schools and launch a mental health awareness campaign.
• Train peer educators to spread awareness about mental health and conflict resolution.

Join Us in Building a Brighter Future

Our work in Tsholotsho, Matobo, and Bulawayo is transforming lives and communities, but we can’t do it alone. Here’s how you can support us in 2025:

• Donate: Help us expand our gardens, strengthen our goat herds, and create safer schools.
• Partner: Collaborate with us to amplify our impact and reach more communities.
• Volunteer: Share your skills and time to empower young people.

Together, we can unlock the potential of youth and build a future where everyone thrives.